Edo plans merger of Agric Institutes

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has revealed plans to merge Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebodo into a single institution, with different schools offering courses in specialised fields, to train high quality youth agriprenuers to drive the state’s agricultural programmes and policies.

The governor disclosed this while receiving Executive Members of the Usagbe Club of Nigeria, at the Government House in Benin City, Edo State.

“Given the role of agriculture in advancing economy in the country, and considering Edo State as an agrarian state, there is need to establish quality institutions to train youths on agriculture to leverage on the huge potential in the sector.

“We decided to close down the Colleges of Agriculture in Iguoriakhi and Agenebode; as we intend to have one College of Agriculture with several schools, which offer specialised courses on different aspects of agriculture.

“A team is currently working on a curriculum to ensure graduates of the new College of Agriculture will be prepared to become successful agriprenuers and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the agricultural space. The process for the restructuring of the College of Agriculture would be concluded in less than six months from now.”

He explained that as part of his administration’s plans to drive economic growth through agriculture, “the state is already in talk with Leventis Farm to access 2,000 hectares of land, which would be leased to out-growers this planting season.”

Obaseki also assure members of the club that the construction of the Okpella-Agenebode road will be completed, noting: “The people of the Weppa-Wanno Clan would begin to enjoy benefits of the ongoing reforms in the health and education sectors.

President of the club, Mr. Tony Akiotu, commended the leadership style of the governor, adding: “The decision to restructure the colleges for efficiency is highly commendable.